Staff writer Dan Wiederer conducts a Vikings Live Chat each Tuesday. Here are edited excerpts from this week's session:
Q Why hasn't Jarius Wright been activated until now?
A Some of it goes back to the philosophy of wanting only four wide receivers active on game days. The coaching staff sees Wright as bringing skills and playing a role very similar to Percy Harvin. And when Harvin is at 100 percent, they don't see the pressing need for Wright. He's also a rookie who had an injured ankle to start the season and has been inconsistent at times during practice.
Q Was it a blessing in disguise for Harvin to have sat out that game since it forced Ponder to spread the ball around and get more comfortable with other guys?
A Adrian Peterson's direct quote on the subject: "With Percy out there, we're definitely going to get the ball in his hands and you see Christian kind of forced into giving it to him sometimes. So with him being out, other guys stepped up. He was able to get back there and just go through his reads and progressions and find the guys that were open." That said, do not take that to mean I think the Vikings' offense is better without Harvin. The Vikings always will be more potent with Harvin on the field. They just have to remember that they have a bunch of other guys who can make things happen, too.
Q What are the keys to beating the Bears on the road? I think Adrian needs 25-30 carries and Ponder needs to limit turnovers.
A Number one: Take care of the ball. Number two: Take care of the ball. Number three: Take care of the ball. Chicago has 30 takeaways in nine games. They have seven defensive TDs. Your young QB must be poised and smart with his decision-making. And you have to hope every decision to put the ball in No. 28's belly pays dividends. Lastly, if Jay Cutler plays, you have to gear your pass defense toward stopping Brandon Marshall.
Q Seems a big deal was made having QBs coach Craig Johnson on the sidelines during the game. Will that be the norm?
